QUICK LINKS — OLLI home page | OLLI Summer Schedule by Day | OLLI digital catalog home | Questions? Email olli-online@udel.edu
OLLI Summer Sessions registration is open — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
Summer late registration & drop/add is available June 16, 2025 — click here for details
Use the dropdowns below to view available offerings by day of the week, category, or other filters.
View all updated or canceled courses | Clear form/view all courses
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 10, 2025 to July 10, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Join us for a culinary journey to Australia and New Zealand. This immersive wine and food pairing class explores the unique and diverse terroirs of Australia and New Zealand. Discover the bold reds of the Barossa Valley, the crisp whites of Marlborough and everything in between as we delve into the distinct characteristics that make these regions world renowned.
Taught by: Walter Makarucha
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 17, 2025 to July 17, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Explore food and wine from the majestic andes Mountains to the vast Pacific coastline and discover the unique flavors and traditions that make Chile a rising star in the global gastronomic scene. This class offers a captivating blend of cultural immersion and sensory delight.
Taught by: Walter Makarucha
Online: July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Required text: The Best American Travel Writing, 2018, Cheryl Strayed, ISBN# 978-1-328-49769-7. Everyone travels for different reasons, but one thing is certain, they come back with stories. Until 2021, the best of these human-interest stories were collected in the book series, The Best American Travel Writing. Students are invited to expand their horizons in this stimulating reading and discussion class. Two essays from the 2018 edition are discussed each week. (Essays are approximately 10 pages long.) Students should read the essays before class in order to understand and participate in the conversation.
Taught by: Jeff Ostroff
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 16, 2025 to July 16, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Dutch settlers considered the Delaware the finest and most pleasant river in the world. From Lenape treaties and betrayals through Revolutionary War battles and disputes over dams and power plants, the Delaware has been marked by historic events, characters and controversies. Join us on this illustrated and entertaining cruise through time down the historic Delaware.
Taught by: Gary Letcher
Online: July 24, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Additional fee: TBD fee to cover site visit. Once a camp for Confederate prisoners of war during the Civil War, Fort Delaware has been maintained and restored to tell the stories of those who served at the fort. Pea Patch Island also provides an important migratory bird habitat along its marshy shores. After a class session that explores the island’s historical and environmental significance, we meet in Delaware City for an onsite visit. Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
Dover (Wyoming Church): July 22, 2025 to July 22, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
As one of the most famous images in American history, Joe Rosenthal’s photograph of the flag raising on Iwo Jima has an amazing story that continues to evolve into the 21st century. The flag raising on February 23, 1945 was a proud moment for the United States Marine Corps and a key point during the bloody struggle to take the island of Iwo Jima. This presentation examines the background of the battle that led to the famous photograph, the details of the flag raising and the history and controversy surrounding the image itself.
Taught by: Tom Summers
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
The years 1865 thru 1877 are referred to in American history as the era of reconstruction. However, this period is better defined by destruction, violence, corruption and terror in the defeated south. The centerpiece reference is the prize-winning book, I saw Death coming. This class explores this period and its significant constitutional amendments in an effort to shed light on the struggles and events still unfolding in today’s America.
Taught by: Ray Glick
Online: July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
The Shroud of Turin is one of the most studied artifacts in current history. We cannot explain the image on it, nor reproduce it. It has been called the burial cloth of Christ. All research on it has disproven the possibility that it is forgery made by human hands. This class reviews the science study done in 1978 and briefly touches on the history.
Taught by: Raymond Hain
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 16, 2025 to July 16, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
In the waning days of transatlantic travel by sea, a revolutionary new ocean liner captured the imagination of the American people. For 17 short years, she was a floating example of American ingenuity, strength and style. Her afterlife was more than triple her glory days, and her legend lived on. Recently back in the news, the S.S. United States and her long saga make for a fascinating tale.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
Lewes (off site): July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: Ability to walk for approximately one mile. We walk through history in Lewes, learning about historic buildings, notable events, architecture and the residents who lived here. We also explore maritime history and the final resting places of some of the residents of Lewes. Expect less than 1.5 miles of walking each week.
Taught by: Connie Benko
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
This class is an introduction to writing your family history in narrative form. The emphasis is on writing short drafts to share with class members using suggested topics to ignite the process. Approaches include memoir or the remembered past, family stories, oral history, research-based analysis and creative nonfiction. Supportive and collaborative efforts are encouraged.
Taught by: Susan Dion
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: Time to write outside of class. Please bring your nonfiction piece (four pages or less) to the first class, where workshop guidelines and etiquette are reviewed. Students share their nonfiction writing (poem/prose, essay, memoir, literary journalism, creative nonfiction and academic works) and offer, kind, considerate, helpful and constructive critiques and comments. Discussions focus on developing great opening sentences and story arc, finding one’s voice, and creating a piece that educates and resonates with the reader.
Taught by: Kathleen Sundt
Online: July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
As a means of preserving personal legacy, memoirs have become a popular form of creative expression. But crafting a good memoir can be a challenge. To guide that journey, this course helps students master and practice the art of writing a good, readable memoir.
Taught by: Rae Tyson
Online: July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $45. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. Students learn a variety of watercolor techniques and how to apply them to a painting. Techniques include washes, wet-on-wet brushwork, dry brushwork, glazing and color mixing. Students practice techniques during each class completing a small example of each, then take what they learned to create a complete painting. Supply list is provided for students to purchase before class starts. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services. Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Karen Berstler
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 14, 2025 to July 14, 2025
Monday at 12:00 PM
Join this workshop to explore the fun and versatile world of monoprinting! Learn the basics, or simply use the time and materials provided to create unique, layered prints using gel plates, acrylic paints and various textures. Perfect for beginners and those experienced with gel printing.
Taught by: Rebecca Daniels
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 21, 2025 to July 21, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Discover the art of printmaking with our kitchen lithography course! This hands-on workshop introduces a fun and accessible approach to traditional lithography using everyday kitchen materials like aluminum foil, cola and oil-based inks. Perfect for beginners and art enthusiasts, participants learn step-by-step techniques to create unique prints without the need for a professional studio. Unleash your creativity and explore this innovative, eco-friendly method of making art!
Taught by: Rebecca Daniels
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 7, 2025 to July 28, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
This course is an open workshop for all art students who would like studio time during the summer. No instruction, just bring a project to work on with friends!
Taught by:
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
This course is an open workshop for all art students who would like studio time during the summer. No instruction, just bring a project to work on with friends!
Taught by:
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
This course is an open workshop for all art students who would like studio time during the summer. No instruction, just bring a project to work on with friends!
Taught by:
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This course is an open workshop for all art students who would like studio time during the summer. No instruction, just bring a project to work on with friends!
Taught by:
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 7, 2025 to July 28, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
This course is an open workshop for all ceramics students who would like studio time during the summer. No instruction, just bring a project to work on with friends!
Taught by:
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
This course is an open workshop for all ceramics students who would like studio time during the summer. No instruction, just bring a project to work on with friends!
Taught by:
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
This course is an open workshop for all ceramics students who would like studio time during the summer. No instruction, just bring a project to work on with friends!
Taught by:
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This course is an open workshop for all ceramics students who would like studio time during the summer. No instruction, just bring a project to work on with friends!
Taught by:
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 12:30 PM
Additional fee: $25 lab fee to cover the cost of materials. Students learn the “Tiffany” method of stained glass creations. They design a pattern, cut glass, grind, foil and solder a project. This course is open to beginners and advanced artists. The instructor must approve all projects. Closed-toe shoes are required. No sandals or flip-flops should be worn. Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Bette Kaupa, Paul Puch, Rodney Lau
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Learn how to read and pronounce Cyrillic using the Russian language. This course uses Google Translate to help students read and speak Russian to help build vocabulary. Students learn the phonetics of the alphabet and are given tools that can help them learn in class and independently. This is not a regimented foreign language class. The measure of success is conversational comfort, not tests!
Taught by: Harry Banks
Dover (Wyoming Church): July 8, 2025 to July 17, 2025
Tuesday, Thursday at 10:45 AM
We read Bartleby, the Scrivener, the short story by Herman Melville. We read and discuss the use of allegory and symbolism to reveal Melville’s view on the effects of industrialization and capitalism on modern American life.
Taught by: Robert Heifetz
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
Extended discussion of the following poems by Robert Frost: The Star-Splitter (the subject to be considered in the first class), The Grindstone, The Ax-Helve, The Strong Are Saying Nothing, On a Tree Fallen Across the Road, Neither Out Far Nor In Deep, Love and a Question, and The Exposed Nest. For enjoyment and stimulation, let’s take the time to sit a spell and talk. As Frost urged his readers in The Pasture, “you come too.”
Taught by: William Zak
Online: July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Required text: Elizabeth Bishop: The Complete Poems 1927-1979. Elizabeth Bishop is one of the icons of 20th-century American poetry. We read and discuss selected poems in class.
Taught by: Marion Ehrlich
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 7, 2025 to July 28, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Required texts: Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow, The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag and The Enigma Girls by Candace Fleming. Get a taste of young adult literature by reading and discussing four books published for teens. What makes a book “young adult” and how well is it written? This summer’s theme is “resilient teens.” We read the above books, which are available in libraries and bookstores.
Taught by: Peggy Dillner
Wilmington (Delaware Art Museum): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
These four weeks focus on fascinating artists at the Delaware Art Museum, beginning with Howard Pyle, John Schoonover and friends in the Golden Age of Illustration. We also explore the art of John Sloan, whose story and art are as intriguing as the fabulous glass of Dale Chihuly and other 20th-century favorites. The grand finale is the fantastic Pre-Raphaelites. Take a break, enjoy the view!
Taught by: Judy Filipkowski
Online: July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
This course provides an overview of the origin, philosophy, key figures and enduring influence of the Bauhaus school of art and design. The school’s objective was to include all fields of art and apply basic principles to the material aspects of society. Participants examine works of some of the Bauhaus architects and painters. After a brief look at the school’s approach to crafts and performance art, we explore the influence on design in the United States. Outline at http://www.udel.edu/0013044.
Taught by: Robert Ehrlich
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
The cruise industry has experienced incredible growth and diversification over the last half century. For better or worse, today’s cruise vacation is a vastly different experience than it was 50 years ago. Students learn how holidays at sea have evolved in terms of ship size, accommodations, onboard amenities, food, service and pricing. We explore how to differentiate cruise ships and discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and ongoing health and environmental issues.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 7, 2025 to July 28, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
This class covers barbecue meats, regional styles and flavorings, kinds of barbecue smokers and controlling fire. Students learn short-cook and long-cook techniques and barbecue specialties. The class concludes with information on barbecue competitions and resources.
Taught by: Jeffrey Chambers
Online: July 8, 2025 to July 8, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Listen to songs that express or celebrate the pluralism, equal rights and community of Americans. Selected songs represent folk music, videos or musicals.
Taught by: Robert Ehrlich
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Swedish death cleaning, which is based on a book, is a method of organizing and decluttering your home before you die in an effort to lessen the burden on your loved ones after you’ve passed. Over the course, students learn the seven steps to master. This course is as much a gift to yourself as it is to your loved ones!
Taught by: Madeline Dobbs
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Tree Club members are “volunteer tree stewards” for the Wilmington campus. During the summer session, we select trees in the park at Goodstay Gardens and prepare an attractive guide to use when visiting this special woodland.
Taught by: Jim Hainer
Wilmington: July 23, 2025 to July 23, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Discover how Peace Week Delaware, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization, unites communities to address hunger, violence and injustice. As the organization marks its 10th anniversary, this discussion explores the power of small grassroots groups in driving change and how to get involved. The session includes presentations from two guest speakers engaged in peace advocacy in Delaware. This section takes place in person.
Taught by: Christine Vitsorek
Online: July 31, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Discover how Peace Week Delaware, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization, unites communities to address hunger, violence and injustice. As the organization marks its 10th anniversary, this discussion explores the power of small grassroots groups in driving change and how to get involved. The session includes presentations from two guest speakers engaged in peace advocacy in Delaware. This section takes place solely online.
Taught by: Christine Vitsorek
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 7, 2025 to July 28, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Must be able to walk unassisted. Argentine tango is an improvisational partner dance popular worldwide and it’s unlike the “show Tango” seen on TV. Mostly slow, sensual and deliberate in movement, Argentine tango is all about the walk and the connection between partners, the music and the moment. Students learn the basics, including posture, the embrace and the walk as well as how to wordlessly lead or follow. After completing the course, students should be prepared to join a local tango group.
Taught by: John Huegel
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This course looks at the evolution of ancient to modern medicine by examining the fascinating lives and times of key medical thinkers, philosophers and scientists. We review how they arrived at their insights and how those revelations and discoveries changed the world. This is intended to be a fun, engaging and interactive course.
Taught by: Sheldon Scheinert
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
This course presents information about the four main vital signs, which are the initial step in evaluating a person’s state of health. Through lectures, discussion and some active demonstration, participants learn about the measurement and physiologic basis of heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate with brief discussions about changes in these parameters in different disease states.
Taught by: Hisham Sherif
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Materials required: Blocks and a tie or belt are helpful. Chair yoga is offered as an option for those who wish to practice yoga and are uncomfortable transitioning between floor poses and standing poses. Options for stretches and yoga poses are offered, including sitting on a chair and standing using a chair for support.
Taught by: Carol Lovett
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of computers and Excel and a home computer with Microsoft Excel software. This Microsoft Excel course is for people who know how to use the Windows or Mac operating system, possess Excel software, and have basic Excel knowledge. Students learn several special topics not covered during the fall or spring semesters (see syllabus). Each week students receive lesson instructions to be used. The class involves a short video previewing the lesson to be taught followed by a step-by-step, hands-on walk through of the lesson.
Taught by: Phillip Weinberg, Reg Herzog
Online: July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
We review what Jesus and Eckhart Tolle shared about conscious and present-moment living and other topics of interest to both of them.
Taught by: Deborah Brown
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 8, 2025 to July 8, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Coastal Concerts presents a classical music experience that delves into the background of guest artists, their instruments and the music. Featuring Strauss Shi and Tengyue (TY) Zhang, ArcoStrum is committed to redefining the 21st-century violin-guitar art form. ArcoStrum presents innovative chamber music that blends genres, eras and cultures and is known for the artists’ charisma and dynamic on-stage chemistry. Students receive a complimentary ticket for a future Coastal Concerts performance.
Taught by: Carol Dennis
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 22, 2025 to July 22, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Coastal Concerts presents a classical music experience that delves into the background of guest artists, their instruments and the music they are performing. This session highlights the Rosamunde String Quartet. This critically acclaimed all-star ensemble consists of musicians from three of the world’s greatest orchestras: Noah Bendix-Balgley, first concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic; Shanshan Yao (Violin ’08), member of the Kammerakademie Potsdam and former violinist in the New York Philharmonic; Teng Li (Viola ’05), principal viola of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; and Nathan Vickery (Cello ’13), cellist in the New York Philharmonic. Students receive a complimentary ticket for a future Coastal Concerts performance.
Taught by: Carol Dennis
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 15, 2025 to July 15, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Coastal Concerts presents a classical music experience that delves into the background of guest artists, their instruments and the music they are performing. This session highlights Seraph Brass. In its 11th season, Seraph Brass was founded by trumpet soloist Mary Elizabeth Bowden with a mission to showcase women brass players and musicians from marginalized groups, in personnel and programming. Winners of the American Prize in Chamber Music, the group performs as a 10-piece ensemble, as soloists with symphony orchestras and wind bands and in collaboration with other chamber artists. Students receive a complimentary ticket for a future Coastal Concerts performance.
Taught by: Carol Dennis
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 29, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Coastal Concerts presents a classical music experience that delves into the background of guest artists, their instruments and the music they are performing. Windsync is a wind quintet that embraces the classics and the growing contemporary repertoire with a fresh sensibility. Versatile and vibrant, WindSync frequently eliminates the “fourth wall” between musicians and audience by performing from memory, creating an extraordinary connection. Students receive a complimentary ticket for a future Coastal Concerts performance.
Taught by: Carol Dennis
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Intermediate or advanced performing skills. Some people are prolific songwriters that constantly develop new ideas, while others write the same song over and over again. Well-developed song arrangements keep songs fresh and inviting for the listener. These songs build familiarity so people remember them and add distinctive surprises so they don’t tire of them. This workshop is about using musical forms and techniques to enhance songs, while providing inspiration and aiding creative development.
Taught by: Terry Merriman
Online: July 7, 2025 to July 28, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
We explore four different productions of Die Fledermaus (two with English subtitles and two without). We discuss the creativity and view the entirety of each production.
Taught by: Larry Peterson
Lewes (off site, Cinema Art Theater): July 7, 2025 to July 28, 2025
Monday at 2:15 PM
This class shows a favorite movie of the movie host, either an OLLI student, instructor or community member. The host gives a brief introduction and then leads a discussion afterward.
Taught by:
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This course grew out of Nancy’s participation in OLLI’s “So You Think You Are Funny!” This course is for folks who enjoy comedy and want to know more about its roots and fundamentally, what makes something funny.
Taught by: Nancy Meman
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 10, 2025 to July 17, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
The story of West Side Story began more than 75 years ago. From its earliest conception as East Side Story to its ground-breaking Broadway run and the award-winning film, West Side Story has become an icon of American culture. This class begins with the creation of the original stage version of West Side Story and then brings the story to the making of the 1961 film and present day.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
Online: July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This course is designed to guide students as they prepare their homes for sale, focusing on optimizing financial returns in support of their retirement plans. Students receive valuable insight regarding managing personal possessions and guidance on transitioning into retirement living. Topics include prudent decision-making regarding property enhancement and effective ways to address home inspections, appraisals and more. Students receive a free copy of the instructor’s published course book.
Taught by: David Harrell
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
The U.S. Constitution has served as the foundational document over many political and social changes in American history. The transitional period after the 2024 presidential election presented several challenges to the functionality of the three branches of government, as they were outlined in the Constitution. This program focuses on the executive branch, as presented in the writings of the Founding Fathers and within the Constitution, and how those works have been interpreted since January 2025.
Taught by: Claire Sullivan
Dover (off-site): July 9, 2025 to July 9, 2025
Wednesday at 11:00 AM
Additional fee: There is an additional $20 class materials fee due on the day of the session. Please join Chef Alex Neaton from Longwood Gardens for a casual cooking session and discussion of Farm to Table dishes. The menu depends somewhat on availability, but there is plenty of food, drink and great conversation. This is a one-day, four-hour session held in an off-site residence kitchen in Dover. Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Alex Neaton, Bobbi Neaton
Dover (off-site): July 10, 2025 to July 10, 2025
Thursday at 10:00 AM
Tour the Johnson Victrola Museum in historic Dover. The museum highlights the history of the Victor Talking Machine Company, which pioneered the development of the sound recording industry, and was founded by Delaware native Eldridge Reeves Johnson.
Taught by: Bobbi Neaton
Dover (off-site): July 29, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 1:00 PM
Additional fee: $15 cash or check payable on day of tour. All tour fees benefit the Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway Chapter. Dover Motor Speedway (the “Monster Mile”) has hosted exciting racing and entertainment events for national and international guests for more than 50 years. Join us as we have the unique opportunity to explore different areas of the track, including the pit lane, grandstands, victory lane and the “Monster Mile” itself, while learning about the rich history of the track. Participants meet in the parking lot and carpool for the tour. Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Russell Butler
New Castle, Del.: July 17, 2025 to July 17, 2025
Thursday at 9:45 AM
Additional fee: $6.50 fee for professional tour, payable on day of event. Meet us in Historic New Castle for a curated walking tour. Please note that many streets have uneven brick sidewalks, and participants are required to climb stairs in some buildings. Visit an amazing variety of remarkably preserved historic buildings from the 17th through the 19th centuries, some with professional tours ($6.50 total). Enjoy lunch (participants pay for their meal) and browse antique shops. See syllabus for details. Rain date: July 24. Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Glenn Rill, Suzanne Souder
Wilmington (Delaware Art Museum): July 24, 2025 to July 24, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Additional fee: Nonmembers of the Delaware Art Museum are required to pay an entrance fee (adults: $18; seniors ages 65+: $16). Join other OLLI lifelong learners at the Delaware Art Museum for an hour of slowing looking and facilitated discussion. Together, we look deeply at two works of art and discuss what we see, think and feel. Inspired by a growing museum movement, this session offers a fun and engaging way to see and experience art. No prior knowledge is needed, just a willingness to look, think and reflect. Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Christine Vitsorek
The date of this class has been corrected since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 8, 2025
Tuesday at 10:00 AM
Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $40. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $25 material fee due to the instructor. Learn to cut, grind, foil and solder your stained glass suncatcher using the Tiffany Style of stained glass (foil and solder method). No experience necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services. Please note the additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Karen Berstler
The date and time of this class have changed since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 22, 2025 to July 22, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
This class explores the unique aspects of cruising, such as drink packages, excursions, dining venues, spas and considerations.
Taught by: Carolyn Stankiewicz
The time of this class has changed since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 15, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Join our class for a discussion of at least two new TED Talks along with some challenging and some easy trivia questions for prizes! Student participation is necessary to make this class interesting and fun!
Taught by: Carolyn Stankiewicz
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 24, 2025 to July 24, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
¡Bienvenidos! Forget phrasebooks and verb conjugations and join us for a culinary and oenological immersion. This course dives into the heart of Spanish culture through its vibrant food and wine. This class is your passport to understanding Spain’s diverse regions, rich traditions and the art of sobremesa (post-meal conversation). This isn’t just a tasting; it’s a cultural experience.
Taught by: Walter Makarucha
An online section of this class has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Name calling can be a slippery slope to fascism. But, what is real fascism? While Italy and Germany provide historical examples, is there anything comparable in the United States? It is an old Republic, and the guardrails are many.
Taught by: John Bullock
This class has been added since catalog publication.
Online: July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Epic historical novels tell the stories of the cultures they arose from and the stories of the people who lived those histories. In doing so, they often provide an alternative perspective on the details of that long ago past. That’s what we’re discussing this summer, but they’re not generally what you’d call “beach reads.” For this course, we’re traveling to Australia, with Kate Grenville’s A Room Made of Leaves, and to India, with Abraham Verghese’s Covenant of Water.
Taught by: Rebecca Worley
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): July 10, 2025 to July 31, 2025
Thursday at 10:30 AM
All levels are welcome to this gentle introduction to the fundamentals of qigong and tai chi. These ancient Chinese practices combine slow, mindful movements with coordinated breathing, energy flow and meditation to promote balance, flexibility, relaxation, and enhanced focus and coordination. Students are introduced to popular qigong forms such as Eight Pieces of Brocade (Ba Duan Jin), Shibashi Set 1 and animal forms. The course may also include basic movements from the widely practiced tai chi 24-form, yang style. Join us for this gentle practice designed to improve overall health and wellbeing. No prior experience is necessary!
Taught by: Bette Kaupa, Marlene Evans
Dover (off-site): July 17, 2025 to July 17, 2025
Thursday at 10:00 AM
First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s only “urban park without boundaries.” Centering on the historic Dover Green, participants immerse themselves in history through experiences facilitated by historical interpreters, dressed in authentic Revolution-era garb. Tour Legislative Hall, then head outside for the “Women of the Green” walking tour, highlighting the people and places that have defined the historic half-acre of green across more than 300 years of history. Be prepared to walk for about two hours.
Taught by: Michelle Butler, Russell Butler
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 8, 2025 to July 29, 2025
Tuesday at 12:00 PM
Explore the nostalgic world of 1980s and 1990s movies, feel-good classics, teen comedies, action hits, and cult favorites. Bring your lunch to watch movies with your OLLI friends! Different movies are offered for each class section. View the Tuesday movie list.
Taught by: Jenna Cole
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): July 9, 2025 to July 30, 2025
Wednesday at 12:00 PM
Explore the nostalgic world of 1980s and 1990s movies, feel-good classics, teen comedies, action hits, and cult favorites. Bring your lunch to watch movies with your OLLI friends! Different movies are offered for each class section. View the Wednesday movie list.
Taught by: Jenna Cole
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware
OLLI is an academic cooperative for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and socialize together, with no exams or educational requirements for participation. OLLI welcomes you.
Kent/Sussex | Wilmington